The data presented are taken from ABS surveys. A range of surveys is used to provide a picture of the Australian labour market, with some surveys collecting information from households while others collect information from businesses.

In household surveys, information is collected about persons from a sample of households. For surveys covering labour issues, this information includes demographic data, such as age and sex, as well as information about labour market experience - for example whether a person is working or looking for work. Household surveys provide insight into the supply of labour.

Surveys of employing businesses obtain information about jobs, for example the number of jobs in the business or the wages and salaries paid. Business surveys provide information on the demand for labour.

The overall framework for labour market statistics is outlined in diagram 6.1. It sets the context for the discussion of the Australian labour force in the next section, and for the framework relating to labour force statistics in diagram 6.2.

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